Energies du Méridien, an offshore wind joint venture between Corio Generation and Qair, has been selected by the French government to participate in upcoming project tenders totalling up to 2500MW.
The consortium has been shortlisted by the French Directorate General for Energy and Climate for two fixed-bottom offshore wind tenders that were launched in parallel in December 2022.
The tenders are for the AO7 site off the Ile d’Oléron coast reserved for an installed capacity of about up to 1000MW, as well as the AO8 site off the Normandy coast representing up to 1500MW.
The Energies du Méridien consortium aims to develop innovative new offshore wind farms and invest in local supply chains and port infrastructure.
Mark Giulianotti, Head of Europe of Corio Generation, said: “We’re proud to be selected by the French government to compete in these two important fixed-bottom offshore wind tenders.
“These projects, once built, will play a vital role in helping France meet its net zero commitments, including a goal of delivering 40GW from offshore wind by 2050.
“Energies du Méridien combines Corio’s unmatched global offshore wind expertise and access to capital with Qair’s longstanding experience in renewable energy development and roots in the French market.
“Together, we have the world-class capabilities to ensure that France can take full advantage of the green industrial revolution and deploy next-generation offshore wind at scale.”
Guirec Dufour, Managing Director of Qair France, said: “We are delighted to be working with Corio Generation again on these two tenders.
“This association continues to demonstrate the complementarity of our skills and our shared commitment to the energy transition in France.
“This confirms Qair Group’s offshore strategy initiated in 2016 around the Eolmed pilot project and already recognised in its commercial deployment with the award of 2GW in Scotland.
“We are convinced that Energies du Méridien’s competitive offer will bring a new robust foundation to the emerging edifice of a French offshore wind industry.”